Management of patients with complications from heart disease

Abstract

Today, the patient with heart disease can be assisted to live longer and achieve a higher qulity of life than even a decade ago. Through advancements in diagnostic procedures that allow earlier and more accurate diagnoses, treatment can begin well before significant debilitation occurs. Newer treatments, technologies, and pharmacotherapies are being developed rapidly. However, heart disease remains a chronic condition, and complications may develop. This chapter presents the complications most often resulting from heart diseases and the treatments provided by the health care team for these complications.